Gold production in Sudan is forecast to rise 9.6 per cent to a record 80 tonnes this year as the African country seeks to boost its output of metals and minerals, says its minister of minerals.
Gold production reached about 72 tonnes at the end of the third quarter, Oshek Tahir said yesterday at a mining conference in Dubai.
“Around 85 per cent of the production is through traditional mining and 15 per cent through regulated companies,” said Mr Tahir.
Cash-strapped Sudan is trying to boost its production of minerals after losing most of its oil income with the secession of South Sudan, a territory that used to produce about 75 per cent of Sudan's oil.
Companies from 17 countries are producing gold in Sudan, and the country is looking to grant licences to more firms to help increase the output of gold, minerals and metals
Sudan is said to be Africa’s third-largest gold producer.
dalsaadi@thenational.ae
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